Train describing and recording system



Feb. 23, 1937. M. H. LOUGHRIDGE 2,071,640

'L'RAIN DESCRIBING AND RECORDING SYSTEM Filed May 24, 1930 2sheets-sheet 1 NIK@ Feb. 23, 1937. M. H. LOUGHRIDGE TRAIN DESCRIBING ANDRECORDING SYSTEM Filed May 24, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lim Qw y Witnesses:

Patented Feb. 23, 1937 TRAIN DESCRIBING AND RECORDING SYSTEM Matthew H.Loughridge, Bogota, N. J. Application May 24, 1930, Serial No. 455,333

This invention relates to recording system and has 45 Claims.

a train describing and for an object to provide a system whichYautomatically describes and records passing trains at intervals alongthe trackway. More particularly the invention includes a system in whichvided on the train which i a mechanism is pros adjusted to describe thetrain as desired and a companion mechanism is provided in dispatchersstations or other locations on the trackway which ramps or contact railson are connected with the trackway. When the train engages one of thetrackway ramps its describing mechanism is initiated and a combinationof signals is transmitted to the trackway devices which describe thetrain and make a perand the time it passed the trackway. Another toautomatically deof spaced stations on progress of the train determined.Other objects of the invention will be understood from the followingspecification and part thereof, in which,

Fig. l is a front view of the drawings forming the recording mechanismwith the cover removed;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation partly sectioned of the mechanism in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the controlling circuits 30 for the recordingapparatus;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the transmitting apparatus on thevehicle or train;

Fig. 5 is a trackway layout showing one arrangement of trackwaystations.

In the present invention the transmitting apparatus comprises a steppingmechanism which is adjustable to transmit steps which signals usuallyThis apparatus remains inactive by a number.

groups of signals in designate the train 0 but is initiated to make onecycle of operations as soon as a trackway device is encountered. Duringthis cycle the signals produced by the device are transmitted one ormore receiving relay and selectively through an electric conductor tostations.

The signals are received through a polarized operate a group of steppingwheels from an initial position according to the number of signalsreceived of the signals a tape is 5() 'the and upon completion broughtinto contact with stepping wheels and with the time recording mechanismwhich registers the signals describing the train and the time that itpassed location on the with the signals and by a specic track. Byrecording the time spacing the recording 55 stations at predeterminedintervals on the trackway it is possible to keep an accurate record ofthe train over each portion of the track.

In the drawings, SIU is the frame, SII, SI2 and 6I3 are stepping magnetsof the recording device; as shown in Fig. 2, when the magnet 6I3 isenergized the armature 6M is raised and through the link SI5 and theguide SIS the wheel S23 is stepped around one tooth for each operationof the armature SI4. Magnet SII operates stepping wheel S2I and magnetSI2 operates stepping wheel S22 in the manner described according to theprinciple of a ratchet stepping device. Gear wheel 62S moves with thestepping wheel 623 and engages gear S29 of the wheel S33, carring theregister numerals shown; each step of the magnet 6I3 moves a differentcharacter on 633 into the registering position. The stepping wheel 62|,through gears S24 and S21 similarly operates the registering wheel 63|and the stepping wheel S22, through gear S25 and gear 62S similarlymoves the registering wheel S32. Thus magnet 6I I moves forward theregistering wheel S3I, magnet SI2 moves forward the registering wheelS32 and magnet SI3 moves forward the registering wheel S33.

When magnet SI1 is energized it attracts the armature SI8 and lowers theplaten 644 moving on the pivot S45. This platen carries a ribbon ofpaper between the rollers S41 and S48 so that when the platen is loweredthe characters on the registering wheels 63|, 632 and S33 are registeredon this tape as well as the time on the index S30 which is operated bythe clock mechanism shown in Fig. 2 in dotted outline in schematic form.A gear S49 mounted on a ratchet on the shaft of roller S48 engages thexed rack bar S50 so that as the platen is lowered the gear S49 isrotated and a fresh portion of paper is exposed to the registeringwheels, These wheels are suitably inked for registering purposes bymeans not shown on the drawings. The ratchet on wheel S49 preventsmovement of the paper roll on the return of the platen when released bymagnet SI1.

When the platen is lowered the plunger S43 mounted on shaft S48a ofroller S48 is lowered and lowers the plunger S430. through the guide inthe base plate to close the circuit controller S05 hereinafter referredto. This also brings the pin S42 below the crank 64I mounted on shaftS40 and normally held horizontal by the weight Slla. When the platen isreturned to the raised position by spring SIS, plunger S43a is raisedand the quadrant S39 on shaft S40 is moved to the right to engage thepad S31a on the lever S31. This 2 lever is pivoted at 638 and cable 636connecting to the upper end of this lever is Wound on the drum 635 asthe stepping Wheel 623 is rotated. When the quadrant 639 is deflected byraising the platen 644 it is apparent that the stepping wheel 623 isrestored to the normal position. Each of the stepping wheels 62|, 622and 623 is provided with a drum 635 and a restoring mechanism similar tothat described.

The wheel 626 is ring 696 provided with an insulated which is engaged bythe contact fingers 691, 698 and 699. In the normal position shown inFig. 2, the contact fingers 691 and 698 are connected in circuit Whilecontact linger 699 rests upon insulation. As soon as Wheel 623 makes thefirst step, the contact finger 691 is disconnected from 698 and contactlingers 69B and 699 are electrically connected by the ring 696throughout the remainder of the movement of wheel 623. The purpose ofthese circuit controllers is hereinafter described in connection Withthe operating circuits.

The transmitting mechanism as illustrated in Fig. 4, comprises thestepping magnet 669, provided With an armature 66|, suitably connectedby a lever to the stepping arm 662 Which engages the stepping wheel 663,mounted on the shaft 664. This wheel is provided with an insulated ring665 which is engaged by the contact fingers 654 and 655. In the normalposition shown, the inger 654 rests upon insulation, but upon the iirststep of Wheel 663 the contact fingers 654 and 655 are electricallyconnected throughout the remainder of the movement of the steppingwheel.

The battery 652 653 has a central connection to ground at 66| andconnects by Wire 659 to one side of magnet 666 and from this magnet toContact 656, ring 666 contact 655, Wire 656, armature 66! in thedeenergized position and wire 658 to battery 652. A shunt circuit isprovided around the contacts 656 and 655 by Wires 656 and 651 When thecontacts 62Min and St-b are bridged by the trackway conductor 666. Thusthe trackvvay device 696 initiates the operation of the transmittingdevice by energizing magnet 666 to produce the first step of Wheel 663and thereafter this Wheel continuously rotates through the circuitetsablished by contacts 669 and 656 and interrupted by the movement ofarmature 66| until a complete cycle of operation is made.

A contacter 61d is provided on the vehicle to engage the trackWa-yconductor 665; this contactor is connected to the transmitting mechanismat 612 and to contact linger 61|. Mounted on shaft 666 are the codetransmitting segments 666, 661 and 666. These segments are insulatedfrom the shaft 64 and are non-rotating. The number of teeth in each ofthese segments that may be exposed to the spring contact 61| isadjustable by the quadrant 669, arranged to cover one or more of theteeth of 666 and the quadrant 616 arranged to cover one or more of theteeth on 661. It will be noted that segments 666 and 668 connect by Wire658 to the positive side of the battery and segment 661 connects by wire659 to the negative side of the battery.

The stepping Wheel 663 carries the contact member 61| over the exposedteeth in the segments 666, 661 and 668 and thereby establishes a circuitfrom the positive or negative side of the battery with the contact 612through 61| and the supporting mechanism. Thus during the operation ofthe transmitter, positive impulses are transmitted to the line 668through conductor 605 ci for each exposed tooth on the quadrant 666 and,as soon as the contact 61| engages the quadrant 669, a continuouspositive impulse is transmitted. When contact 61| engages quadrant 661,negative impulses are transmitted to the line in accordance With thenumber of exposed teeth in this quadrant and when 610 is engaged acontinuous negative impulse is transmitted; following this a positiveimpulse is transmitted from 668. The number of impulses transmitted by666 and 661 may be used to describe the train according to a numberwhich is adjustable as described and, if desired, additional steppingquadrants may be provided to increase the number of characters in thetransmitted code.

The operation of the registering device Will be Fig. 3 in which thepolarized relay 689 is connected to the line 698 and is grounded at 65|so that the armature 619 of this relay is deflected to the right or tothe left in accordance with the polarity of the current from thetransmitter. When in the position shown the code signal received on wire608 is connected through armature 619 by Wire 68| with contact Enger 668of stepping Wheel 62| for mechanism y and by wire 63S, contact fingerson :stepping disc 622 of mechanism a: to Wire 685 and stepping magnet 6|for the stepping Wheel 62| of instrumentar. This steps around steppingWheel 62| in accordance with the number of impulses received of thispolarity and places the index Wheel 63| in position to register acharacter in accordance with the first group of code signals received.

'When the polarity of the current in the line wire 698 is reversed, thearmature 619 is reversed and a circuit is established through Wirecontact ngers 693 and 699, wire 688, contact nger 691 and Wire 699 tostepping magnet 6 I2 for the stepping Wheel of 62?. of instrument Thissteps around the index Wheel 632 in accordance with the second group ofcode signals transmitted.

When the current in the line Wire 608 is again Y reversed the armature619 connects through wire 69E, contact ring 696 of stepping Wheel 62|for instrument y, Wire 683, contact ring 696 of disc 622 for instrument:c and Wire 69| to stepping Wheel 613. Stepping magnets 6H, 6i? and 6|3it will be noted are grounded on wire 65|.

This causes the index Wheel 633 to be stepped I around in accordancewith the third set of code signals received.

When the impulses on the line 696 are again reversed a circuit isestablished through contact 6'59, Wire contact ring 696 of steppingWheel 66|, wire 666 contact ring 696 of stepping wheel Wire 662 tomagnet 6|1 and to ground on 65|. When magnet 6|1 is energized, 6|8 islowered to close the contact at 695 which establishes a circuit from theline Wire 686 to magnet 6 'i thereby holding this magnet energizeddirectly by the current on the line wire 668. This magnet is slowreleasing so that once it is energized it will remain in the energizedposition during any momentary interruptions of the line circuit such aswould occur in the steps of the transmitted signals. Thus when magnet6|1, which is not polarized, is energized to register the code signal itwill not register again for subsequent signals until another trackvvaystation Continued steps of the circuit energizing magnet 6H merelyresults in holding this magnet energized. Once the armature of thismagnet has been moved to the energized position, the line rcuit isdirectly connected to this magnet through 685 and independent of themechanism.

Magnet 6|1 is slow releasing to the extent of the time interval betweensteps of the same character, but the time interval between each group ofsteps is much greater than the interval between the steps themselves.This will be understood by the operation of motor 660 and the positionsof the toothed quadrants 666 and 661. In consequence, magnet 6|1releases its armature between the groups of steps but not between thesteps themselves. Thus, if impulses are received from. the line aftermagnet 6|1 is energized, without changing the polarized relay 680,magnet 6|1 will remain energized and no further action takes place. Ifimpulses are received from the line which changes the polarized relay,such as would result from a second operation of the transmitter, or fromanother transmitter, the interval between the change in the impulses ofthe new group from the old impulses, permits magnet 6|1 to deenergize,thereby restoring the apparatus to normal position for a new operation.Magnet 6|1 controls itself through circuit controller 695 and when thecircuit through 695 is deenergized and magnet 6|1 releases its armature,the apparatus is restored to the starting position through 639 and 631.If magnet 6|1 is constructed with a time interval greater than theinterval between the steps and the interval between the groups of steps,it will simply remain energized by the imline 608, through contact 695.It should be noted that the transmitter, Fig. 4, makes only onerevolution, or cycle of operation each time it is initiated.

The apparatus described shows how code signals of three characters orgroups may be received and registered on the instrument In addition tothis the diagram shows how the system may be applied to selectivelyoperate two registering instruments, the other instrument beingindicated'by y and which will now be described.

1f the first impulse received on the line 608 reverses the position ofthe polarized relay 680 from that shown then a circuit will be estabto682, contact fingers 691 and 688, wire 684, contacts on ring 686 ofstepping wheel 622 for instrument y and wire 686 to stepping magnet 6||which is grounded on wire 65|. This causes the index wheel 63| ofinstrument y to register the first signals of the code. When thepolarity of the current on the line wire is reversed a circuit isestablished through 618, wire 68|, ring 696 of stepping wheel 62| forinstrument 'y and Wire 681 of stepping magnet 6|2 which is grounded onwire 65|. This causes the index wheel 632 to step around in accordancewith the second code signal from the transmitter. If the line impulsesare again reversed in polarity a circuit is established from 618 throughwire 682, stepping wheel 62|, wire 684, stepping wheel 622 of instrumenty and wire 688 to the registering magnet 6|1 for instrument y. 'I'hismagnet is slow releasing and when energized closes a circuit at 685which directly connects the magnet to the line wire 608 and maintains itin thc energized position as long as the line wire 608 is energized.This magnet is similar to the corresponding magnet on instrument I. Itwill be noted that by controlling the stepping magnets by the steppingwheels to be subsequently operated, a selective control is obtained forthese magnets; also by controlling the stepping magnets of oneinstrument by the other instrument a selective control is obtained whichinsures that only one registering instrument can operate at a time.

The transmitting device in Fig. 4 may be applied to operate theregistering device in Fig. 3 as follows: The exposed teeth on quadrant666 are arranged to transmit six impulses which will step around thestepping wheel 62| of instrument y thereby bringing the numeral 6 on theindex 63|, under the platen 644. The polarity of the current is thenreversed as the six impulses produced by quadrant 661 are transmitted tothe line to operate the stepping wheel 622 and bring the numeral 6 ofthe index 632 under the platen 644. The next impulse produced by 668energizes magnet 6|1 and registers the signals thus transmitted as thetransmitting mechanism completes its cycle of operation.

This system may be applied to a railroad track as indicated in Fig. inwhich 60|, 602 and 603 are dispatcher stations and 605 are trackwaystations for receiving the impulses from the passing vehicle. A linewire 608 connects each of the trackway contacts 605 with a dispatcherstation and preferably with two dispatcher stations in multiple asindicated on the drawings. a train entering the track from the left willbe simultaneously described in dispatcher stations 611| and 602 and thistrain will later be described at the next trackway station in thedispatcher stations 602 and 603. I the average running time between thetrackway devices is known it is apparent that when a train registers atthe first station it should register again within a predetermined timeinterval at the next station. Where a switch is in the track as at 2| itis apparent that a train which registers in 602 at the rst trackwayinstrument and does not register at the second trackway instrument hasbeen switched at 2| to another track.

Trains operating on track 252, Fig. 5 are supposed to be spaced by ablock system of the usual type, not shown in the drawings. By properlyarranging the conductors 605 relative to the block spacing of trains, itis possible to prevent twc trains being in position to engage conductors605 connected to the same line wire, at the same time, thereby avoidingconfusion in the operation of the system.

This system relates to train describers in general and may be used inregular railroad service,

or may be used with an automatic system as disclosed in U. S. Patent1,381,317, June 14, 1921.

The conductor 638 may be connected to one contactor 605, or a plurality,and this operation may be embodied in the block system as disclosed inU. S. Patent 1,857,760, May 10, 1932, which discloses the generalfeatures of the present application.

In the operation of this system, the transmitter, Fig. 4 may be locatedon the trackway and initiated by the passing train and arranged tooperate a remotely located recorder. The invention as described admitsof a variety of applications of which the drawings only illustrate oneform. It may be applied complete as shown, or applied in part only, orin combination with other systems.

The recording mechanism, as shown in the drawings, is a developedmechanism for making a, permanent record automatically of the conditionson the trackway caused by train movements. This mechanism is thetranslating means by which the received impulses are made intelligent tothe operator and the term recording mechanism is used herein in ageneric sense for such a translating means, except Where specificallylimited by the structure of the claims. The transmitting mechanism is atypical representation of an impulse transmitter, a variety of which,suitable for practising this invention are commercially available.

Having thus described my invention, I claim;

1. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism, arecording mechanism on the trackway, for making a permanent record,means partly on the trackvvay and partly on a passing vehicle forautomatically initiating said transmitting mechanism and means forcommunicating electrical impulses in groups with distinctivecharacteristics from said transmitting mechanism to said recordingmechanism.

2. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on the'train, a recording mechanism on the trackway, means for automaticallyinitiating said transmitting mechanism, means i'or communicating signalsfrom said transmitting mechanism to said recording mechanism and meansfor making a permanent record of said signals.

3. A train describing mechanism as claimed in claim 2 with means forrecording the time the signals are received by the recording mechanism.

4. A train describing mechanism comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train arranged to transmit signals groups, a recording mechanism onthe trackway, means for communicating said signals from saidtransmitting mechanism to said recording mechanism and means forselectively operating said recording mechanism by said groups ofsignals.

5. A train describing mechanism comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train, a plurality oi recording mechanisms on the trackway, meansfor communicating signals from said transmitting mechanism to sairecording mechanisms and means for selectively operating sait. recordingmechanisms. l

6. A train describing mechanism comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train, a plurality of recording mechanisms on the trackway, meansfor com .iunicating signals from said transmitting mechanism to saidrecording mechanisms and means whereby eny one of said recordingmechanism can be operated by said signals at a time.

'7. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism cn thetrain, a recording mechanism on the traclrway, means for communieatingsignals from said transmitting mechanism to recording mechanism, meansfor making a record of said signals and for automatically restoring saidrccording mechanism after each operation.

8. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, a recording mechanism on the traclrway, means for communicating.gnals of a distinctive characteristic from said transmitting mechanismto said recording mechanism and a relay selectively 'responsive to thecharacteristic of said signals controlling said recording mechanism.

9. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, a recording mechanism on the trackway, means for communicatingsignals from said transmitting mechanism to said recording mechanism ofan intermittent character and a slow acting magnet operated by saidsignals for operating said recordingl mechanism.

10. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain arranged to transmit electrical impulses, a motor for operatingsaid transmitting mechanism, means for automatically operating saidtransmitting mechanism for a single cycle of operation only at a time, arecording mechanism on the trackway, and means for communicating saidimpulses to said recording mechanis 1l. A train communicating systemcomprising a transmitting mechanism on the train transmitting signals ofa particular characteristic, a m0- tor for operating said mechanism, atrackway conductor, a device on the train coacting with said trackwayconductor to transmit said signals from the train to the trackway and aplurality of recording devices connected with said conductor,selectively responsive to the characteristic of said signals and meansfor operating only one of said recording devices at a time.

l2. A train describing system comprising an electric transmittingmechanism on the train, means for automatically operating saidmechaniszn, a plurality of spaced trackvvay conductors, means forconnecting said transmitting mechanism with said conductors as the trainpasses along the track, and a recording mechanism connected in multiplecircuit with said conductors and operated by said transmittingmechanism.

13. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on.the train, a trackway conductor, means connecting said trackwayconductor with said transmitting mechanism as the train passes along thetrack and a plurality of recording mechanisms connected with saidtrackway conductor and simultaneously operated by said transmittingmechanism.

le. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, a trackvvay conductor, means connecting said trackvvay con.-ductor with said transmitting mechanism as the train passes along thetrack and a plurality of recording mechanisms connected With saidtrackway conductor and operated by said transmitting mechanism and meansfor recording the time at which said recording mechanisms ope ate.

i5. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, means for automatically operating said mechanism, a plurality ofspaced conductors on the trackway operatively connected with saidtransmitting mechanism as the train passes along the track- Way and arecording mechanism connected With said conductors and operated by saidtransmitting mechanism and means for recording the time at which saidrecording mechanism operates.

16. A train describing apparatus comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for transmitting a series of electrical impulses in successiondescribing the train, a motor for operating said transmitter, means forclosing the circuit of said motor to cause the initiating of saidtransmitter, means in said transmitter, after it is initiated, formaintaining the circuit of said motor, means on the track-way forreceiving the electrical impulses from said transmitter and translatingmeans operatively connected with said receiving means.

17. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train having a stepping wheel producing impulses describing thetrain and initiated by the movement of the train, means for blanking thesteps of said Wheel to vary the number of said impulses, a receivingdevice selectively responsive to the number of said impulses from saidtransmitter and a line circuit connecting said transmitter and receiver.

18. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain arranged to transmit a series oi impulses in groups describing thetrain, means embodied in said mechanism for varying the impulses in eachgroup, means on the trackway for receiving the impulses from saidtransmitter and translating means operatively. connected with saidreceiving means.

19. A train describing apparatus comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train transmitting a series of positive impulses, alternately with aseries of negative impulses describing the train, means'on the trackwayreceiving said impulses and a translating device operatively connectedwith said receiving means and selectively responsive to the impulsesfrom said transmitting mechanism.

20. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train, transmitting in succession a series of electrical impulsesdescribing the train, a device on the trackway receiving said electricalimpulses and a translating device having a slow releasing magnetcontrolling its operation, said device operatively connected with saidreceiving device.

21. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train, transmitting a series of electrical impulses in groupsdescribing the train, a receiving device on the trackway, a registerdevice on the track-way having a stepping wheel for each groupoperatively connected'with said receiving device and moved electricallyfrom an initial position by said impulses, indexing charactersassociated with each of said wheels and means for registering theposition of said wheels when the transmitting impulses are completed.

22. A train describing system comprising a transmitting'mechanlsm on thetrain for transmitting electrical impulses to describe the train, areceiving device on the trackway and a registering device on thetrack-way connected with said receiving device, having characterspositioned electrically by said impulses and a platten for recordingsaid characters when the impulses are completed.

23.v A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for transmitting electrical impulses to describe the train, areceiving device on the trackway, a registering device on the trackwayconnected with said receiving device, having characters positionedelectrically by said impulses and characters recording time and a platenfor recording said characters when the impulses are completed.

24.' Av train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train transmitting a series of electrical impulses describing thetrain, a receiving device on the trackway, a registering device on thetrack-way connected with said receiving device, having characterspositioned electrically by said impulses, a platten with a paper rollfor recording said characters and means for moving said paper roll aftereach operation of said registering device.

25. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, transmitting' electrical impulses describing the train, areceiving device on the trackway, a registering device v4on the trackwaywith a paper roll, means for automatically bringing said paper roll andsaid characters into engagement when said impulses are completed, meansfor rotating said paper roll in one direction, after each operation ofsaid registering device and electrical means for operating saidregistering device by said impulses through said receiving device.

26. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, transmitting electrical impulses describing the train, areceiving device on the trackway, a registering device havingdesignating characters on the trackway with a paper roll, means forautomatically bringing said paper roll and said characters intoengagement when said impulses are completed, means for restoring saidcharacters to their initial position after they have been registered onsaid paper roll and electrical means for operating said registeringdevice by said impulses through said receiving device.

27. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain, transmitting electrical impulses describing the train, areceiving device on the trackway, a registering device on the trackwayhaving index characters, a frame with a paper roll, means forautomatically moving said frame to bring said paper roll and saidcharacters into engagement when said impulses are completed, meanscontrolled by the movement of said frame for restoring said charactersto their initial position and electrical means for operating saidregistering device by said impulses through said receiving device.

28. A train describing apparatus comprising a track with a train, aconductor on the trackway, means on the train for impressing upon saidconductor intermittent impulses having particular characteristicsdescribing the train, a recording device connected with said conductorand means for permanently recording said impulses selectively accordingto said characteristics.

29. A train describing apparatus comprising a track with a train, aconductor on the trackway, means on the train for impressing upon saidconductor impulses in groups having particular characteristicsdescribing the train, a translating device connected with said conductorand means embodied in said device operated by said impulses andselectively operated by said groups.

30. A train communicating system comprising a track with a train, aconductor on the track- Way, means for impressing upon said conductorimpulses in groups, each group having a particular characteristic, bythe presence oi a train on the track, a translating device connectedwith said conductor, said device comprising a stepping magnet for eachgroup selectively operated by each group and a slow acting magnet forregistering the steps set up by said stepping magnet.

31. A train communicating system comprising a track with a train, aconductor on the track- Way, means for impressing upon said conductorimpulses in groups, each group having a particular characteristic, bythe presence of a train on the track, a translating device connectedwith said conductor, said device comprising a stepping magnet for eachgroup selectively operated by each group and a slow operating magnet forregistering the steps set up by said stepping magnet.

32. A train communicating system comprising a track with a train,V aconductor on the trackway, means on the train for impressing upon saidconductor impulses in groups, each group having a particularcharacteristic, a translating device and a polarized relay connectedwith said conductor, said device comprising a stepping magnet for eachgroup and said relay selectively operating said stepping magnetsaccording to said groups.

33. A train communicating system comprising a track with a train, aconductor on the track- Way, means at predetermined intervals on thetrackway for c-ommunicating between said conductor and the train, meanson the train for impressing upon said conductor impulses in groups, eachgroup having a particular characteristic and a translating deviceconnected with said conductor, said device comprising a stepping magnetfor each group of impulses selectively operated by said groups, indexmembers operated by said stepping magnets, other index members operatedby a timing device and means for recording the position of said indexmembers and the time.

34. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train transmitting signals according to a pre-arranged code and arecording mechanism for recording said signals, means for operating saidtransmitting mechanism after it is initiated, means for initiating saidoperating means by the movement or the train on the track, saidrecording mechanism making a record describing the train and a record ofthe time and means operatively connecting said recording mechanism withsaid transmitting mechanism.

35. A train communicating system comprising a"transmitting mechanism onthe train transmitting impulses of long and short duration describingthe train, means for operating said transmitting mechanism after it isinitiated, means for initiating said operating means by a passing train,a recording mechanism having index members, means operatively connectingsaid transmitting mechanism with said recording mechanism for operatingsaid index members by said impulses and means for making a permanentrecord of the position of said index members.

36. A train describing system comprising a transmitting mechanism on thetrain transmitting electrical impulses for describing the train, meansfor operating said transmitting mechanism after it is initiated, meansfor initiating Said operating mea-ns by a passing train, a recordingmechanism having index members and means indicating time, meansoperatively connecting said transmitting mechanism with said recordingmechanism for operating said index members by said impulses and meansfor making a permanent record of the position of said ndex members andthe time.

37. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for transmitting electrical impulses describing the train,means for adjusting said mechanism to vary the number of impulsestransmitted, means for operating said transmitting mechanism after it isinitiated, means for initiating said operating mechanism by a passingtrain, a recording mechanism for recording said impulses and meansoperatively connecting said transmitting and recording mechanisms.

38. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for transmitting electrical impulses in groups according to aprearranged code for describing the train, means for adjusting saidmechanism to vary the number of impulses in each group, means foroperating said transmitting mechanism after it is initiated, means forinitiating said operating mechanism by a passing train and a recordingmechanism responsive to said impulses operatively connected With saidtransmitting meclianism.

39. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for transmitting impulses initiated by the movement of thetrain and describing the train, a recording mechanism having an indexmember operated by said impulses and a time operated member, a plattenwith a record sheet arranged to be brought into engagement with saidmembers and means for automatically bringing said sheet into engagementwith said members after said index member has been operated.

40. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train and initiated by the movement of the train for transmittingimpulses, a plurality of recording mechanisms at diirerent locations, asingle circuit connecting said transmitting mechanism with saidrecording mechanisms and a relay for selectively operating saidrecording mechanisms by said impulses.

41. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism forproducing a series of impulses, a receiving mechanism having parts, eachresponsive to one of said series and means for registering the positionof said parts, a single line circuit operatively connecting saidtransmitter with said receiver and means for preventing the operation ofsaid parts by other impulses after the registering means has operated.

42, A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism forproducing a series of impulses, a receiving mechanism having parts eachresponsive to one of said series and means for registering the positionof said parts, a single line circuit operatively connecting saidtransmitter With said receiver and means for connecting the line circuitdirectly With said registering means by the operation of saidregistering means.

43. A train communicating system comprising a transmitting mechanism onthe train for producing a series of impulses,means on the trackWay at aplurality of locations for receiving said impulses, a translating deviceon the trackway responsive to said impulses, a single circuit connectingeach of said trackway means with said translating device and means forindicating the particular trackvvay device sending the impulses.

44. A selective system comprising a transmitter, transmittingpredetermined impulses, a receiving device electrically connected Withthe transmitter and having a member moved from an initial position bysaid impulses, a spring for resetting said member to the initialposition and means for bringing said spring into operation to restoresaid member by one of said impulses.

45. A selective system comprising a transmitter transmittingpredetermined impulses, a receiving device electrically connected withthe transmitter and having a plurality of members moved from an initialposition by said impulses and a recording frame, a spring associatedwith the recording frame for resetting said members and frame to theinitial position and means for bringing said resetting means intoeffective operation by the last impulse affecting the receiving device.

MATTHEW H. LOUGHRIDGE.

